In the United Kingdom alone, an astounding number of over 300,000 lightning strikes meet the Earth’s surface each year. Certainly, this natural phenomenon poses a significant threat to buildings, as it has the potential to cause severe structural damage.
To mitigate these risks effectively, it becomes crucial to implement lightning protection systems that comply with regulations.
What Does Lighting Conductor for House Do?
Firstly, a lightning conductor protects the structural integrity of the building by providing a safe path for lightning’s electrical energy to follow. Secondly, it ensures the shielding of individuals within and around the home by redirecting the discharge away from them. Further, it minimizes the risk of injury or fatality.
Below are two potential dangers from which it protects you.
Injury and Death
The formidable power of lightning appears to be a threat to human safety due to its immensely high voltage. Moreover, even a fleeting exposure to this current, lasting mere milliseconds, can prove fatal. Yet, there are instances where lightning, in a peculiar manner, traverses across a person’s skin without penetrating the body. This results in relatively minor wounds like the distinctive burns resembling fern-like patterns. Fortunately, there are also cases where people escape unscathed, defying the odds in their favor.
On average, the UK witnesses approximately 30 citizens sustaining injuries and two unfortunate fatalities annually due to thunderbolts.
Electric Equipment
When a firebolt occurs, the surge of power can induce catastrophic consequences for appliances and devices. Further, the massive electrical spark accompanying a lightning strike can overwhelm the capacity of electronic systems, leading to wire burnout and potential power outages.
Additionally, the sudden influx of electricity can exceed the designed limits of sensitive components, resulting in their malfunction or complete failure.
How Lightning Protection Services Assist You?
Risk Assessment
This crucial step entails a thorough evaluation of a structure’s susceptibility to lightning strikes. Experts consider various factors, including your home’s geographical location, height, construction materials utilized, and the surrounding environment.
Proposal and Agreement:
The provider of lightning will present you with a comprehensive proposal that encompasses the suggested design for the protection system, the installation procedure, and the corresponding expenses.
Once you have thoroughly assessed and consented to the document, you may proceed with the provided process.
Installation Preparation:
Prior to the commencement of the installation, the company will collaborate closely with you to plan the installation process. Similarly, they will look into your availability, prevailing weather conditions, and other logistical considerations.
Lightning Protection System Design
To have reliable security against thunderbolts, a well-designed lightning protection system (LPS) is crucial. Besides, this system is carefully constructed by professionals as they employ various parts that work in harmony to safeguard buildings from the destructive forces of lightning.
These essential components include:
Air Terminals (Lightning Rods):
Positioned strategically at the highest points of a structure, air terminals serve as lightning rods. By attracting lightning strikes, they establish a preferred route for the electrical current to follow, diverting it harmlessly into the ground. On the other hand, copper or aluminum conductors establish a low-resistance pathway, joining the air terminals to the grounding system.
Bonding Connections:
Moreover, it plays a vital part in giving the efficient transfer of lightning current between different conductive elements of a structure. These bonds minimize potential differences by establishing connections between various components.
Moreover, they reduce the threats of side flashes or step voltages, enhancing the system’s overall effectiveness.
Grounding Electrodes:
Moreover, strategically installing grounding electrodes allows lightning current to securely dissipate into the ground. It ensures efficient grounding and minimizes the risk of damage or electrical hazards. Also, this setup shows that the energy is discharged, reducing any potential harm to the building.
Surge Protection Devices:
To protect against transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes, surge protection devices (SPDs) are strategically placed at critical points within the electrical system.
By acting as the first line of defense, these devices divert excessive voltage away from sensitive equipment. They significantly reduce the risk of any destruction.
Final Testing
Upon the successful completion of the installation process, the service provider will proceed with a complete final inspection and testing of the system. Further, this critical stage involves the verification of all connections. However, they will check the validation of appropriate grounding measures and thoroughly assess the system’s compliance with the necessary standards.
Maintenance Tips after Lighting Protection Systems is Installed
Record Keeping:
Maintain detailed records of inspections, maintenance activities, and any repairs or replacements performed on the lightning protection system. This documentation will help track the system’s history and have a proactive approach to maintenance.
Education and Training:
Further, stay informed about the best practices and advancements in the field. You better attend training sessions or workshops to enhance your knowledge of protection systems and their regular evaluation.
Cable Integrity:
Examine the system’s cables for any wear or fraying. Certainly, replace any faulty cables to maintain proper conductivity.
Cleanliness:
Keep the lightning rods and other components clean and free from dirt, debris, and vegetation. Above all, remove any accumulated leaves, bird nests, or other obstructions that may hinder the performance.
Weather Change:
After severe weather events, such as thunderstorms or lightning strikes, near your facility, perform a thorough inspection. Additionally, you can identify any potential damage or affected components.
Wrap Up
To sum up, lightning systems safeguard against nature’s power by prioritizing safety. These systems harness and channel lightning’s energy to coexist with nature and reduce destruction.
South West Lightning Protection offers a wide range of services, including risk assessment, design, and installation. Further, we also deal with maintenance, and testing, ensuring that your property is shielded against lightning-related hazards.
Our lightning protection systems are meticulously engineered to meet the industry’s highest standards and are tailored to your requirements.